The St. Viator Religious Education Program is under the direction of the Director of Religious Education and works closely with the pastor and priests of the parish, together with parents and catechists, to prepare students to live in the world as responsible Catholics through knowledge of their faith. Family participation at weekly liturgies is both expected and encouraged to reinforce and support the students in their ongoing journey of faith, based on Jesus Christ and His Word.

Vatican II brought about a renewed understanding of Christian life for us as members in a Community of Faith. At St. Viator, faith formation is a major part of our mission. It provides opportunities for spiritual growth and enrichment for young people of all ages and their parents. Faith formation comes from one's experience of God in the Word, Worship, Service, and Community.

St. Viator Parish offers parents and families, through the Children's Faith Formation Program, a means by which to pass on their faith. Classes, liturgies and special celebrations give preschool age children through high school age the opportunity to experience and form their faith.

Catechists and aides are always needed to assist with the many programs that are scheduled throughout the year.

• Children's Faith Formation Classes are offered for Kindergarten - 5th Grade and 6th- 9th Grade, including sacramental preparation for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. Children meet for a one-hour and fifteen minute class on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, beginning the first week of October until the end of April. These classes support parents as the primary religious educators of their children.
• RCIA Adapted for Children is a two-year formation process for children, ages 6-14, who are not baptized and want to become Catholic; children, ages 9 -14, who are baptized and have not been catechized. Children, participating in RCIA, attend twice monthly the Liturgy of the Word portion of the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Liturgy. Then, the celebrant dismisses them to go and meet with their catechist.

Confirmation is a sacrament, a special sign which celebrates life as a Catholic Christian. The sign of Confirmation is unique because, as a sacrament, it seals you with the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables you to say "Yes" to the Christian life, to a personal relationship with Jesus, and helps you to share your gifts with the Church.

High School sophomores begin the process of readying themselves for Confirmation by doing community service in October. They build off that experience by attending confirmation sessions from October until April. In the spring, they spend a day together on retreat in preparation for their Confirmation.

St. Viator Parish Confirmation guidelines follow the diocesan requirements:

• The usual time for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation is 10th grade or higher; Two years of religious education or parochial school immediately prior to reception of this sacrament is required;
• ALL candidates, regardless of the school they are attending, participate together in a special program for Immediate Preparation which is described in a brochure that can be requested from the Church.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is an eight-month religious formation program for adults who wish to join the Catholic Church. The process welcomes adults who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, as well as adult Catholics who wish to be confirmed. The RCIA is also an opportunity for baptized and confirmed Catholics to learn more about their faith.

Prior to beginning the RCIA, adults who are considering joining the Catholic Church are asked to attend inquiry classes. RCIA begins each year at St. Viator Parish in September and continues through May. Sessions meet on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Center. Candidates will celebrate the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. Several follow-up discussions are scheduled for April and May.

Each RCIA candidate makes the journey of faith with a sponsor, an adult Catholic who will participate in all of the RCIA activities with the candidate. Serving as a sponsor is a marvelous way to renew your knowledge of Catholic teachings and traditions, while exploring your relationship with God.

If you are interested in finding out more about the process of Christian initiation, or if you would like to participate in RCIA, please contact Fr. Richard Rinn, C.S.V.

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